The Department of Justice (DOJ) warned Timor Leste officials of the potential socio-economic and security threats Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) may pose, should these be permitted to operate in Timor Leste.

In a recent high-level meeting, the DOJ delegates informed the officials that there have been reports which point to the possibility of POGOs moving operations into Timor Leste. Considering Timor Leste’s religious background and values, the Department felt it was apt to disclose the difficulties POGOs had created, which were not limited to crime, regulatory evasion, and threats to public safety.

“The visit served as an important channel to encourage Timor Leste to critically examine the broader implications of welcoming POGOs and how these activities might affect its domestic affairs,” the Justice Department said in a statement.

“Several hearings by several committees in the past four years had shown that the rosy promises of POGO had not been met. They owe the government a lot in taxes, and they really have spawned a host of evils against our citizens and our society,” Senator Risa Hontiveros said in July of this year.